Media Statement: Minister of Finance Appoints Tax Ombud

The Minister of Finance has appointed retired Gauteng Judge President Bernard Ngoepe as the Tax Ombud. The appointment is in terms of the Tax Administration Act of 2011. The office is intended to provide taxpayers with a low-cost mechanism to address administrative difficulties that cannot be resolved by the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

Judge Ngoepe has sound experience in exercising impartiality, an understanding of how best to balance the powers and duties of SARS and the rights and obligations of tax payers. Above all, he is proficient in tax and administrative law.

Further details of the Tax Ombud's office will be announced in due course.

WHY REGISTER WITH SAIT?

Section 240A of the Tax Administration Act, 2011 (as amended) requires that all tax practitioners register with a recognized controlling body before 1 July 2013. It is a criminal offense to not register with both a recognized controlling body and SARS.